OMIC USA Inc. Chemist 2 or 3 Inorganic Department in PORTLAND, Oregon at OMIC USA INC

ABOUT OMIC USA INC.

We are an international full-service ISO/IEC 17025 accredited analytical testing laboratory dedicated to advancing global food health and safety. Headquartered and located in Portland, Oregon’s NW Industrial District, we have provided independent laboratory and inspection services to the global food supply and agricultural industries for more than 30 years.

We are seeking motivated and skilled Analytical Chemists to join our growing laboratory team in our Inorganic Chemistry department. Applicants will be reviewed for all available Chemist 2 or 3 roles, and final placement will be based upon a candidate’s technical background, experience, and best departmental fit. If you are looking to become part of a rewarding collaborative analytical laboratory environment, we encourage you to apply.

MISSION OF THE ROLE:

Chemist 2/3 performs an essential role in the Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory by providing analytical services and results accurately, efficiently, and in a timely manner to clients through (1) analyzing samples by ICP or other instrumentation using conventional, MS, QQQ, and other analytical detection techniques, (2) stabilizing extraction and analytical processes through developing and proposing process improvements, and (3) contributing to further innovation to achieve the Company’s mission and objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Operating analytical instrumentation such as ICP equipped with conventional, MS, and QQQ detection, as well as Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.

· Utilizing differing sample introduction techniques for ICP-MS and QQQ through traditional autosamplers or HPLC for chromatographic separations.

· Utilizing multiple vendor data acquisition and quantitative analysis software packages to evaluate, interpret, and report test results, including QA/QC data. Vendors could include Agilent, CETEC, and others.

· Independently performing analysis for simple and complex test methods for routine and non-routine samples and matrix types. Issues with complex analyses are discussed with and potential solutions proposed to the Group Leader.

· Ensuring that samples are extracted and analyzed in accordance with registered and in-house validated methods.

· Entering data into the LIMS for the tests performed and is responsible for the results.

· Ensuring that reference materials and working standards are maintained and documented according to relevant regulated documents and SOPs.

· Providing support by performing back-up responsibilities and duties of Chemist 1 (Extraction Chemist); this may include extractions, as needed, assigned, and directed by the Group Leader.

· Troubleshooting analytical procedures and performing routine and preventative maintenance, verification, and calibration of chromatographic and other analytical instrumentation in accordance with documented procedures.

· Developing and updating controlled documents and SOPs; ensuring that current versions are up to date and are available to other Chemists.

· As directed by Group Leader, may perform secondary review on data packages submitted by other Chemists for quality, accuracy, consistency, and completeness; ensuring proper procedures are followed for ISO 17025 compliance.

· Participating in special analytical projects, as directed by Group Leader.

· Developing improved and/or new methodology using published sources and finalizing supporting data which is verified by Chemist 3 or Group Leader.

· Participating in internal/external training, professional, and technical meetings for obtaining latest market insights, new technologies and techniques, and networking.

· Supporting and providing assignments for Chemist 1.

Strong skills in Microsoft Excel and experience with other MS Office applications and Adobe Acrobat.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

On the job training in company operating systems (e.g. LIMS), maintenance and operation of laboratory extraction and analytical equipment, and passing the Initial Demonstration of Competency (IDOC) for laboratory procedures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This role has no direct supervisory responsibilities

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, an employee is regularly required to be able to hear and understand instructions and handle items involving repetitive hand and wrist movement. An employee may regularly lift or move items of 20 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

An employee regularly uses laboratory extraction and analytical equipment. Appropriate PPE is provided by the company, and its use required, to minimize exposure to hazardous chemicals, reagents, and solvents during their routine use. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Chemistry or related hard science from a four-year college or university or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

· 3+ years (for Chemist 2) and 5+ years (for Chemist 3) of experience with AA, ICP-MS, and ICP-QQQ instrumentation; routinely creating and running analytical sequences, performing primary data analysis, interpretation, and review, as well as compiling and submitting finalized data package deliverables in a commercial high-throughput laboratory environment.

· 3+ years (for Chemist 2) and 5+ years (for Chemist 3) of experience in analytical method development with an emphasis on optimization of MS and QQQ instrumentation and data acquisition parameters.

· 3+ years (for Chemist 2) and 5+ years (for Chemist 3) of experience working with one or more of the following software platforms: Agilent MassHunter for ICP, Teledyne/Leeman/CETEC QuickTrace for AA, or equivalent vendor software packages.

· 3+ years (for Chemist 2) and 5+ years (for Chemist 3) of experience routinely analyzing trace metals and mineral panels on ICP-MS or ICP-QQQ, which includes screening, evaluation, quantitation, and reporting results.

· At least 1 year of experience routinely operating an HPLC-ICP-MS hyphenated system for the analysis of Arsenic Speciation in agricultural and other commodities. Additionally, experience routinely analyzing, interpreting, and reporting resultant Arsenic Speciation data.

· Proficient hands-on experience and expertise in employing microwave-assisted acid digestions of agricultural commodities and other matrices using a CEM MARS 6 or equivalent Microwave Extraction system.

· At least 1 year of experience in sample processing, various sample extraction techniques (including microwave-assisted), and isolation method development, in food matrices.

· Experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory environment.

· Familiarity with the fast-paced commercial laboratory business environment.

· Experience working in international businesses.

· Ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.

· Able to gather and communicate technical information clearly, both orally and through writing, with respect to analytical and problem-solving skills.

· High Emotional Intelligence.

· Good cultural awareness and ability to communicate with people of diverse backgrounds.